High School Softball in Acadiana

[MisterCajun]

To the best of my knowledge, not in softball. I think we have as much pull as the national teams for the local area, as I don't remember losing out to teams outside of our area.

Cajun Amos:

You can't get them all as the saying goes. I do know that UL recently lost a commitment when Bailey Corbello switched from UL to LSU. The story that I heard was that she felt that the SEC was a better conference with more quality players than the Sunbelt.

On the flip side, it is my understanding that UL has unofficially received verbal commitments from Sara Arceneaux (STM) and Randi Provost (Teurlings) who both play shortstop at their respective schools. I have seen both of them play and there is a lot of upside to these girls if Lotief can develop them like he has with other girls in the past.

[CajunAmos]

Cajun Amos:

You can't get them all as the saying goes. I do know that UL recently lost a commitment when Bailey Corbello switched from UL to LSU. The story that I heard was that she felt that the SEC was a better conference with more quality players than the Sunbelt.

On the flip side, it is my understanding that UL has unofficially received verbal commitments from Sara Arceneaux (STM) and Randi Provost (Teurlings) who both play shortstop at their respective schools. I have seen both of them play and there is a lot of upside to these girls if Lotief can develop them like he has with other girls in the past.

I don't think a verbal commitment was announced for Bailey Corbello. Can you post where it was announced? I know the Cajuns singed Sara Corbello who will be a freshman this year.

[MisterCajun]

I don't think a verbal commitment was announced for Bailey Corbello. Can you post where it was announced? I know the Cajuns singed Sara Corbello who will be a freshman this year.

I am not sure whether there was ever any formal announcement of this as she is just starting her senior year. My information comes from the father of a girl who plays for the Patriots which is the travel team out of Baton Rouge that Bailey Corbello plays for. I talked with him this past weekend at a tournament in Beaumont. He said that Corbello's dad told him that UL was the only big time program that was talking to them when LSU all of a sudden made a big push for her out of the blue which was apparently enough for them to switch their commitment.

[CajunAmos]

Looks like LSU will try to look who the Cajuns are interested in and then try to offer them as well. Wonder if it's that they actually believe in the players, or don't want Cajuns to have them. I guess we'll see when they actually get to school.

[MisterCajun]

I believe that the STM girl that you are talking about is a freshman whose last name is Hemfield (?). I saw her play earlier this summer at a tournament. She cranked 2 out on my niece who is a pretty decent pitcher so I have first hand knowledge of her power. I believe that she is already on Lotief's watch/wish list if what I have been told is correct. I agree with everyone who has posted that it would be great if UL could get the exceptional local talent to stay here though this could sometimes be a hard sell if there is much national interest in a girl.

The below was a blog that was written by Eric Narcisse with TDA about the girl that I had posted earlier about. My wife and I saw her play this past weekend at the state tournament and I was impressed by her. I hope that Mike or someone on his staff has taken notice of her.


Hemphill has the potential to be great
Posted on April 29, 2013 by Eric Narcisse


Prior to arriving in Sulphur on Friday for the first game of the state softball tournament, I couldn't help but to think about why anyone would possibly pitch to St. Thomas More's Bailey Hemphill.

Hemphill, who is a freshman catcher for the Lady Cougars, wasted very little time this season establishing herself as one of the most feared hitters in the state as she racked up double-digit home runs in the regular season.

But the most impressive stretch of play for Hemphill came in the playoffs as she scorched opposing pitching for five home runs including three at the state tournament. Hemphill's power was a welcomed addition for the Lady Cougars, who were in need of someone to fill the void left by one of the best hitters in the program's history in Shellie Landry, who is now starring at UL.

I know hindsight is 20-20, but I was literally stating "there is no way I would pitch to this kid" every time Hemphill came to bat while covering the games in the press box in Sulphur. But no one would listen to me and instead they continued to challenge Hemphill, continued to make them pay.

Hemphill, who went onto earn Most Outstanding Player honors in the finals, finished the state tournament 6-for-9 with three home runs and eight RBIs. Two of Hemphill's three home runs came in the semifinals where she connected for a two-run blast and a grand slam to propel the Lady Cougars to the finals.

I've covered a lot of great softball players at St. Thomas More, especially at the catcher position such as Quinlan Duhon and Lauren Houston, and although she is only a freshman, Hemphill is in the same category as them right now.

Not only is she a stellar hitter, but Hemphill is equally sensational defensively as she picked off several base runners at first base from her knees in the state tournament.

Although she still has three more years to build upon her legacy, the sky appears to be the limit for Hemphill, who has an opportunity as long as she continues to work hard to leave STM as arguably the best player in the program's history and one of the best to come from the Acadiana area.

[wcd35]

I'm sure the staff is on her. We've recruited STM well recently with Shellie and Sarah Arceneaux for this coming year.

I'm also hoping to land Katie Brignac next year. She was a junior this past season for Curtis and has been extremely successful.

[ImperialCajun]

My nephew was an excellent pitcher and my brother paid for him to attend many of these showcases. His high school played in the Missouri state 5A championship game and he was one of the two starters for that team. He went to a showcase at LaTech hosted by Simeneaux and with Robicheaux in attendence. I'm not saying that they are a complete waiste of time, but I do know that 100 kids at $250 each is $25,000 for vary little work and expense. These coaches seemed to be uninterested by the looks on their faces. I would bet that they attend each others showcase to help make them seem legit. Now just so you know, I am NO judge of what makes someone a Div. 1 arm, but I do know a farce when I see one. My nephew was seen in games by other coaches and had a few division 2 offers so I believe that is probably where he fell in the pecking order.

[bbbilly]

I know Bailey Corbello's Dad. I worked with him for three years at the plant he is the Manager of. He wanted Bailey to go to UL. She always wanted to go to LSU, one reason was because in the Lake Charles area, there was more LSU gear than McNeese or UL stuff. Just like a teenager would think. She was offered to walk on to LSU as a freshman and then given a scholarship. They said they did not have the money. UL offered her a full scholarship and she gave a verbal. The very next day LSU came up with the money. I would have loved for her to play here, but like it was said before, you can't get them all.

[CajunAmos]

I know Bailey Corbello's Dad. I worked with him for three years at the plant he is the Manager of. He wanted Bailey to go to UL. She always wanted to go to LSU, one reason was because in the Lake Charles area, there was more LSU gear than McNeese or UL stuff. Just like a teenager would think. She was offered to walk on to LSU as a freshman and then given a scholarship. They said they did not have the money. UL offered her a full scholarship and she gave a verbal. The very next day LSU came up with the money. I would have loved for her to play here, but like it was said before, you can't get them all.

She's going at a good time with Fico leaving. I don't know what else they've recruited for pitchers.

[lcitsh]

I'm sure the staff is on her. We've recruited STM well recently with Shellie and Sarah Arceneaux for this coming year.

I'm also hoping to land Katie Brignac next year. She was a junior this past season for Curtis and has been extremely successful.

Katie's verbally committed to Memphis. PM for reason why.